Folk signs for May 9th: what can and cannot be done

In Russia, omens have been given special importance since ancient times. They were used to judge the weather, when to sow and harvest, and what to expect in the future. Therefore, every day of the national calendar was full of rituals and superstitions. Izvestia tells about the popular signs of May 9th and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for May 9th

In the national calendar, the day of May 9th is called Glafira Goroshnitsa. In peasant life, it was strongly associated with the main garden crop — peas. It was believed that it was on this date that the most favorable period for sowing began. The peasants believed that if they did not plant the peas in time, the harvest would be poor, and the pods would be empty.

Before sowing, the seeds were enchanted — for this, at dawn, they were poured onto a linen cloth and spells were cast. Before dropping the seed into the ground, the first pea was supposed to be eaten by oneself. Then, according to legend, mice and birds will not touch the future harvest. The housewives cooked pea dishes on the holiday. Our ancestors believed that the more peas there were on the table, the more generous the land would be.

In addition, early potatoes were being planted on Glafira, and beds for turnips and radishes were being prepared. In some provinces, they went out into the field before dark in order to complete the work before noon. It was believed that early labor brings the best results and promotes friendly shoots.

Also on the day of Glafira, the Pea Girls carefully observed the weather in order to predict what the summer would be like. If the oak has already spread its leaves, they were waiting for a cold and rainy season. If the birch tree gave a lot of juice, it was believed that the bad weather would last all of June. And the abundant morning dew was perceived as a good sign for plant growth.

Other signs of the day:

• strong wind leads to changeable weather in the coming days;
• Clouds are moving fast across the sky — it's going to rain soon;
• Birds are singing loudly — towards sustainable warmth;
• if the sky clears in the evening, the weather will improve.;
• cold day — summer will be long and cool;
• a clear morning leads to a warm and fruitful summer.

What not to do on May 9th

A number of prohibitions and warnings were popularly associated with the day of the Glafira of the Pea. Our ancestors feared that violating these rules could ruin future crops or bring disaster to the house. For example, they avoided quarrels and harsh words, believing that the negative would "transfer" to the earth and plants.

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What else can't be done on May 9th:

• being lazy and postponing work leads to loss of well—being;
• to lend money — you can lose luck and prosperity.;
• starting things without preparation leads to an unsuccessful result.;
• to refuse help leads to deterioration of relations with loved ones;
• pouring water outside after washing leads to quarrels in the family.

What is the church holiday on May 9th?

On May 9 (April 26, Old Style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Righteous Virgin Glafira of Amasia and the Holy Martyr Basil of Amasia, Bishop. These saints lived in the IV century in the city of Amasia in the territory of modern Turkey. In the church calendar, the day of their memory is often designated as "Holy Martyr Basil of Amasia and the Righteous Virgin Glafira."

Saint Glafira was a servant of the wife of Emperor Licinius. After signing the decree on religious tolerance, the ruler hated Christians in his heart and continued to persecute them. Having developed an unclean passion for the pious virgin, he tried to dishonor her. Glafira told the queen about everything, and she helped her leave the city, providing her with money and men's clothing.

The saint traveled to Armenia and on the way stopped in Amasia, where the local bishop Basil gave her shelter. Glafira donated all the property received from the queen for the construction of the temple. Later, she asked for more funds to complete the work, but her letter was intercepted.

The enraged Licinius demanded that the maidservant and the saint who had sheltered her be sent to him. But in 322, before the order reached Amasia, Glafira died. The Holy Martyr Basil was captured and brought to trial. The emperor, trying to break the elder, offered him to become the supreme pagan priest, but he resolutely refused and was sentenced to death. Later, the saint was buried in the church he built.

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Prayers on May 9th

Glafira Amasiyskaya is more often approached by girls who want to keep their purity before marriage, and women who have suffered from harassment. In addition, the saint is asked for deliverance from carnal temptations and obsessions. They pray to Holy Martyr Basil for strengthening faith, protection and spiritual support during difficult periods of his life. He is also asked for help in building and beautifying temples.

Prayer to Glafira of Amasia

"Oh, holy and righteous Mother Glafiro, the saint of God! Look down from the heavenly palace upon us who flow to you with faith and love. You, who have preserved the purity of your soul and heart in your life, help us also to keep purity, to avoid evil and to do the will of God. Ask the Lord for strength in faith, patience in sorrow, and love for others. Help us to live piously, to keep the commandments of the Lord, and to do works of mercy. May you be our mentor and comforter, our protector from all evil. Grant us not to weaken in our spiritual work and grant us the Kingdom of heaven, so that we may glorify the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen to that."

Prayer to Basil of Amasia

Troparion, glas 4

"When you were a communicant of the spirit and a vicar of the throne, you found an act inspired by God, rising in visions, correcting the word of truth for this, and for the sake of faith you suffered even to the point of blood, Holy Martyr Basil, pray to Christ God for our souls."

Kontakion, glas 4

"Having seen the Tsar's command, you have received the Kingdom of heaven, Basil, rejoicing in it, remember us who honor your memory, holy Martyrs."

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